FLINT, MI — The Flint City Bucks are right where they expect to be every July—playing for another championship.

Backed by a passionate home crowd at Atwood Stadium, the Bucks punched their ticket to the USL League Two Central Conference Final for the fifth consecutive season, defeating previously unbeaten Steel City FC, 2-1, on Sunday evening.

The victory ended Steel City’s remarkable run after the division champions entered the playoffs unbeaten and boasting one of the league’s stingiest defenses, allowing just three goals in 13 regular-season matches while recording 10 shutouts. Flint City, however, proved once again why it remains one of the premier organizations in USL League Two.

After applying steady pressure throughout the opening half, the Bucks finally broke through in the 30th minute when Ollie-Moller Jensen (#28) collected the ball just inside the penalty area and calmly tucked a left-footed shot into the back of the net to ignite the Atwood Stadium faithful.

Flint City continued to dictate the pace after halftime and doubled its advantage in the 76th minute. Jace Foster (#21) sliced through the Steel City defense before finding Jordy Lopez (#9) in the penalty area. Lopez made no mistake, finishing the opportunity to give the Bucks a 2-0 cushion while Foster collected his second assist in as many playoff matches.

Steel City refused to go quietly, pulling within one goal in the 88th minute when Nathan Prex (#9) found the back of the net. The visitors pressed for an equalizer during the closing minutes, but Flint City’s defense stood tall.

Veteran goalkeeper Steve Clark (#1) came up with several timely saves throughout the evening, preserving the lead and earning his second victory since joining the Bucks.

Now the focus shifts to Friday night.

With a berth in the national semifinals on the line, Flint City will host Peoria City FC, champions of the Great Plains Division, in the USL League Two Central Conference Championship at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Atwood Stadium.

The Bucks will be chasing yet another piece of club history—a 13th Central Conference championship—and another opportunity to continue one of the most successful traditions in American pre-professional soccer.

Here We Buckin’ Go!